Georgia Trends on X as Thousands Continue to 'March for Europe' Despite Police Crackdown

Georgia, the country in Eastern Europe, is trending on X (formerly Twitter) as a large protest by tens of thousands of people enters its fourth day.

TrimFeed understands that Georgians are rallying against a contentious "foreign influence" bill, following its progression through parliament despite warnings from Brussels about its impact on the country's European aspirations. The bill, likened to repressive Russian legislation, cleared its second reading with a vote of 83 to 23, prompting mass anti-government protests since April 9 and subsequent clashes with law enforcement.

The development has drawn responses from notable people, including the EU chief Ursula von der Leyen who issued a statement on X denouncing the police's violent response to the protest. She also urged Georgia to maintain its European trajectory.

Mike Galsworthy, the Chair of Georgia's European Movement, also issued a statement on X which read in parts, "For decades across our continent, the European flag has been a beacon of hope for quality of life and freedom from tyranny. What we have built continues to inspire. It’s our better future."

Amid escalating tensions, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered outside parliament waving Georgian and EU flags, emphasizing their desire for a European future. However, clashes ensued as police employed pepper spray and water cannons against protesters attempting to block the legislature's entrance.

Meanwhile, Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze defended the bill as aligning with European values, accusing civil groups of attempting revolutions with Western funding. Despite criticism from Western diplomats and the United States, the ruling Georgian Dream party aims to sign the bill into law by mid-May, emphasizing its commitment to transparency in NGO funding.

The turmoil in Georgia comes ahead of pivotal parliamentary elections in October, pivotal for the country's democratic progress and aspirations for EU and NATO membership. The bill's potential enactment poses challenges to Georgia's bid for EU candidacy and its strategic alignment with Western values, prompting concerns about political polarization and press freedom.

Key Takeaways

• Tens of thousands of Georgians are protesting against a controversial "foreign influence" bill, sparking clashes with law enforcement.
• EU chief Ursula von der Leyen criticized the police's response to the protests and urges Georgia to maintain its European trajectory.
• Georgian Prime Minister defended the bill, accusing civil groups of attempting revolutions with Western funding, despite criticism from Western diplomats.
• The protests come ahead of crucial parliamentary elections in October, highlighting concerns about political polarization and press freedom in Georgia.